Henry Spencer is a British jazz trumpeter and composer from the United Kingdom, born in Wiltshire in 1990. He performs with the quartet Henry Spencer & Juncture and works as a freelance jazz musician across a range of ensembles and projects.

Education and early development

In 2008, Spencer takes a place on the four-year BA jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After moving to London that year, he attends masterclasses with Dave Liebman, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Joshua Redman and Christian McBride. He is also taught by Nick Smart, Robbie Robson, Trevor Tomkins, Scott Stroman, Martin Hathaway, Carlos Lopez-Real, Malcolm Edmonstone, Noel Langley and Gerard Presencer.

Work as a performer

Alongside his studies, Spencer builds a career as a freelance jazz musician. He plays with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and works with George Porter Jr. of The Meters, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Stan Sulzmann, Marvin Stamm, The Outlanders, Henry Lowther, Anthony Strong, The Zealots, Jon Desbruslais Quintet, Hot Air, Sibilla, Crowd Company, Monophonics, Ollie Howell, The London Salsa All Stars, the London City Big Band and the London Jazz Orchestra.

Henry Spencer & Juncture

Spencer forms his own quintet, Henry Spencer & Juncture, to perform his compositions. The group gives its first public performance at the Marlborough Jazz Festival in 2011 and wins the Best Newcomer Award there.

Recordings and recognition

He receives the Emerging Excellence Award from Help Musicians UK in 2014. His debut album, The Reasons Don't Change, is released on Whirlwind Recordings in 2017. The Defector follows on AMP Music & Records in 2023.